Most of you know that the US Department of State has updated its guidance and extended the US Visa interview waiver(aka Dropbox) options for non-immigrant visa applicants for 2024 and beyond if they meet specific criteria. The new guidance was effective from January 1st, 2024.
As part of the above guidance, the US Visa Appointment Booking system is updated with a new set of questions based on the updated guidance. In this article, we will review those questions, with screenshots of the same, and give more details on how they work in the system.
If you do know the exact details of how the US Visa interview waiver options would work with the new guidance for 2024 and beyond, you must read the article: US Visa Interview Waiver Extended for 2024 & beyond
New Questions added for US Visa Interview Waiver Eligibility Check
Like before, after you create an account with the US Visa online appointment booking system, it will take you through a set of questions to verify your Dropbox or interview waiver eligibility.
Below are the new questions and how the flow works with the new visa interview waiver questionnaire in the US Visa online appointment booking system for India at USVisaScheduling.com These questions may look different in other countries
New Question 1: Checking Nationality & Residence
The first question that any user would get is to check if the applicant is a citizen of that country or a lawful resident. They want to ensure you meet the first essential criteria to be eligible for an interview waiver. This question is new and was not present in the previous Dropbox eligibility criteria wizard.
On the USVisaScheduling.com website for booking appointments in India, the exact question reads, “Are you a citizen of India or a lawful resident of India?“
Below is the screenshot of the question as it looks in the online appointment booking system
If the applicant answers yes to the above, then it takes you to the next question that checks their previous US Visa issuance details
New Question: Check Previous US Visa Issuance (except B1/B2, B1 or B2)
The other main criterion of the new guidance is to have a previously issued US Visa other than B1/B2 or B2 Visa. This question comes right after the above question.
The question on USVisaScheduling.com reads, “Do you have a previous U.S. visa in any visa class (except B1/B2, B1 or B2) issued on or after your 14th birthday?“, and looks like this in the below screenshot online.
This is a new question as well as they have added an explicit clause in the parenthesis asking that the previously issued visa must be other than visitor (B2) or business visa (B1/B2, B1)
If the applicant answers yes to the above, the system will ask subsequent questions about whether the visa is valid or not. The exact question reads, “Is your prior visa still valid?“
If you answer “No” to the above, this is when you get the subsequent question on expiry in the past 48 months question.
New Question: Check if the previous Visa Expired within the last 48 months
One of the other main criteria is to have your previous US visa expired within the last 48 months. This question is related to that. The exact question reads, “Did your previous visa (except B1/B2, B1 or B2) expire within the last 48 months?” and looks like it in the screenshot below.
This is a new question; they ask about the 48-month expiration and highlight that it cannot be B1/B2, B1, or B2. This applies to anyone applying for US visa stamping in a category other than B1/B2, B1 or B2. Also, the question clarifies that you should submit documents at least seven days before you hit the 48-month expiration.
After this, you would get a general requirement question that used to be asked before as well, and it reads, “Was your most recent U.S. visa lost, stolen, canceled, revoked, or marked CWOP?” This is an existing question and nothing has changed here. You can read more on CWOP at US Visa Cancelled without Prejudice (CWOP).
If you answer ‘No’ to the above, you will get the subsequent question asking about previous refusals of your visa.
New Question: Ask about Visa Refusals in last 48 months
One of the mandatory requirements from the new guidance is not to have a US Visa rejection in the past and, if they had it they should have overcome it with an approval.
The exact question reads “Have you been refused a U.S. visa within the last 48 months?“, and looks like in the below screenshot. This is a new question.
If the user answers “No” to the above, it will give a decision saying you are eligible for interview waiver. But, if you answer “Yes”, you will be asked another question related to the refusal.
New Question: Ask if the Visa Refusals was later overcome
One of the requirements for the visa interview waiver is to overcome previous visa refusal with approval. The system asks a question related to the same.
The exact question reads, “Did your most recent application result in you being issued the visa?“, and looks like in the screenshot below. This is a new question as well.
If you answer “Yes”, to the above, you would get a confirmation saying you are eligible for dropbox. If not, you would not be eligible for dropbox.
If you qualify for the interview waiver (Dropbox), you would get a confirmation that exactly reads “Congratulations! You qualify for the Interview Waiver. You will need to schedule an appointment to visit a document drop-off location to submit your documents…” and looks like in the below screenshot.
That’s it, folks; these are the new questions added and what the overall flow looks like. Overall, this is a welcome change for many applicants, who are already in the US on a visa other than B1/B2 and looking for visa stamping. This will help many F1 international students, J1 applicants, H4 or L2 Dependents, and L1 applicants.
What do you think of the new questions? Share your feedback in the comments section below.
Hi for someone that his visa has expired more than 48 months is he answering yes for where they asked is ur visa expire more than 48 months and again am i choosing waiver or empty
hi good evening pls for someone that his visa has expired more than 48 months is he going to choose waiver or empty
Hi,
I quit my job in USA and moved to Canada before my visa expires. After few months, when I check my H1B petition status, it says case is revoked. I still have 2.5 years out of 6 years of H1B. Am I eligible for H1B cap exempt in case if I want to move to US again?
Also I’m planning to apply B2 visa to visit, If I apply B2 visa, will there be any problem for my H1B, will it be canceled? Can I have two different visa category in my passport.
Thanks
Hi,
I am on L2Y visa which is expiring in April 2025. I want to apply for B2 visa to visit my parents in the US during my college holidays. Am I eligible for Interview Waiver?
Basant,
Assuming you are talking about L2 visa. Yes, you should be eligible for it, if you meet all others.
Hi,
I had L1-B visa which got issued in Dec 2020 and got expired in Dec 2022. I could not travel on that visa as world shut down due to covid and everything paused.
Now I have changed my company and applying for B1 visa. It says that I am eligible for the interview waiver, but my category is different than my previous visa cat. Should I book an appointment for the interview or how does it goes.
varun,
You are eligible for interview waiver as per the provisions in place due to long wait times. So, you are seeing it right, you can submit using dropbox. Read https://redbus2us.com/us-visa-interview-waiver-48-month-rule-extended/
Thanks for the reply. A followup question.
What will be the answer to the below question in my case.
“Was your most recent visa (in the same class for which you are applying) lost, stolen, canceled, revoked, or marked CWOP?”
I have a doubt when it says “in the same class for which you are applying). My earlier visa was L1. But again it was neither lost, nor stolen or CWOP.
varun,
I think they are talking about the most recent visa, if none of it happend, just answer accordingly.
I am applying for first time visas for myself (L-1) and my dependents (L-2). My wife and I will need physical in-person appointment/interview but I thought my minor children (2.5 and 1 years old) would be eligible for the interview waiver and therefore not need to travel to the Embassy. However, I am unable to navigate the website to confirm this and it is only letting me book in-person appointments for my children. Any ideas?
Mike,
You can only do that after you both got the visas. If you combine everything it will not allow. You will have to do seperate applications for them and book the appointment after your stamping is complete. This will make your life easier and you will get interview waiver for them.
hi, i am trying to schedule a dropbox appointment for stamping my h1 renewal. my previous h1 visa (in the passport) is till Sep 2023. I have a valid extension I797 from my employer till 2026. What should I answer for the question – “Is your prior visa still valid”? …and how does it impact my dropbox eligibility? Thanks in advance.
krish,
It is not valid as it expired in Sep 2023. It will not impact the dropbox eligibility as the expiration is less than 48 months from today. You should be eligible as per the dates.
Hi Kumar
I am in a tricky situaton. My F visa expired on october 30 2020, i cannot travel to India till october 23rd due to job related activity, (visa slots available on 24, 25th), should I select NO for 48 month question as it says if its drop box it needs to be submitted atleast 7 days before 48 months and in my case its not feasible?
Your response is appreciated.
Sunny,
Yes, you should NO. You must select the 48 months based on the date you attend the appointment and also add 7 days buffer on this as well.
I have attended visa for H1B in Jan 2020 and visa officer issued me 221g with passport back and case status is reported as ‘refused’. After that due to pandemic and lockdown, my case was pending for several months. In Aug 2022, my case status changed the updated date from Jan 2020 to Aug 2022 but the status still remains same. Now I am trying to apply for H1B visa.
While answering the questions for interview waiver, for the last question :
Have you been refused a U.S. visa within the last 48 months?
If I consider the Jan 2020 date, it is more than 48 months and my answer is no.
If I consider the Aug 2022 date, it is less than 48 months and my answer is yes.
What should i select there? I tried to reaching out US Consulate for help. They said that they cannot help with questionnaire answers and I have to put it to best of my knowledge.
Please help if someone is aware of this kind situation.
Nikhil,
As per what you mentioned, the date of refusal is in fact, when they gave you the 221g. Also, at the end, you may get something like “Did your most recent application result in you being issued the visa?”, that will add more context for the first one.
Thank you Kumar. So, what will be my date of refusal? Jan 2020 or Aug 2022?
I didn’t receive any refusal notice.(letter of denial).
Though my case status was updated on Aug 2022, i still see larger text under refused status.(“A U.S. Consular Officer has adjudicated and refused your visa application. Please follow any instructions provided by the consular officer. If you were informed by the consular officer that your case was refused for administrative processing, your case will remain refused while undergoing such processing. You will receive another adjudication once such processing is complete. Please be advised that the processing time varies and that you will be contacted if additional information is needed. For more information, please visit TRAVEL.STATE.GOV or the website for the Embassy or Consulate at which you made your visa application. For more information, please visit U.S. Consulate General”)
If that is not completely refused, now i have approved case with different employer. can i still apply H1B slot with documents from new employer.
Nikhil, It was given in Jan 2020, so that is the date. You should have got a paper on that day, that is the refusal notice, read it.
This is standard message for everyone.
There is nothing called complete or partial, if you do not have approval and it is 221g, it is refusal. Read that letter. You can apply, just answer based on your past history.
Visa appointment while H1B Extension is pending.
My H1B extension has been submitted to UCSIS and is awaiting adjudication.
I have the receipt number and I am expecting the approval to come in a month or two.
While the approval is pending, can I book for a consular visa dropbox appointment that’s 3 months away?
The reason for this approach is, if I wait till the approval of H1B extension and then look for an appointment, I will not get the suitable appointment dates.
Any input would be much appreciated.
Thank you.
Girish,
Yes, you can definitely book as the receipt number will not change and that’s what you enter in the website. You must have the petition approved when you go for stamping.
I had mistakenly put answer as no in the question ,has your visa ever been cancelled.In the drop box appoinment they told me to reschedule appoinment to biometric and interview.
later when I login for reschedule close and start application tab was appearing but i rescheduled and got again vac appoinment. I cancelled my appoinment and now close and start application tab is missing.
How do i change questionnarie answer to yes regarding has your us visa ever been cancelled.
bib,
You need to close the application and create a new one. You should see an option in the navigation for it. This way it will re-ask the questionnaire.
Hi,
My F1 visa expired in 2017, now I am planning to go to India for H1b visa stamping. When I answered interview waiver questions , I got dropbox eligible confirmation . Am I really eligible for dropbox?
FYI: my answers
Is your prior visa still valid: No
Was your previous visa expired within last 48months? No( it expired more than 48months ago)
Do you had any prior refusal: No
Did you lost/ stolen your recent visa: No.
Other question : my spouse is on H4 , who had B1/B2 denial in the 2015 but in 2nd attempt he got it approved & later he even got F1 visa in 2015. Now he also planning to go to india for H4 stamping. Is he eligible for dropbox?
Please let me know.
Also I have added my spouse as dependent in my profile. So he is not even getting interview waiver questions. How do I know whether he is eligible for dropbox or interview?
Swati,
Usually, if both of your situation with interview waiver is same, you can combine. Else, you should not. The system does not ask specific questions for dependents, it uses the primary applicants.
Swati,
It is strange. Technically you are not eligible as it is over 48 months. Call the customer service.
Is this Interview waiver applicable for new visa applications as well, if you have a previous visa in different category? I need to apply for B1 Visa. It will be the first time that I apply for B1 visa. However I had a H category visa which Expired in Sep2023. Am I eligible for interview waiver? Please advise.
Apporv,
Yes, you would be eligible, if it was expired in the last 48 months. Read Interview Waiver Info from US Dept of State
Hi,
I have a valid H1B visa (Valid until Sept 2025) with my old org, I haven’t travelled due to personal circumstances, I moved to another org, and in the current org I was asked to apply B1 Visa, I never applied for one prior. When started the B1 Visa questionnaire, I mentioned Yes for Do you have visa of any class…? But the tricky part is the next question.
Did your visa of same case lost, stolen or expired…? I said no, and then i got interview waiver, im confused now, Is this waiver going to work? I worried, please let me know.
I’m in the same situation. Did you get any response or any information on the same?
Sunil,
Yes, the waiver will work for you. This is part of the waiver options that were extended in December of last year. Read Interview Waiver for visa in Different Category Guidance
I have an interview waiver appointment for h1b renewal. While booking appointments, only Chennai OFC was available but I am told documents can be dropped off at any VAC location. My DS-160 has Mumbai location. Is it okay to drop off documents in Mumbai? My pickup location is also confirmed at Mumbai.
Payal,
Yes, you can. It does not matter, you can drop anywhere.
“Are you a citizen of India or a lawful resident of India?”
Will the answer be yes for an OCI card holder (not Indian citizen).
Also, what’s the possibility of the waiver being extended beyond 2024?
Hi,
I have a l1b visa expired on March, 2023. I never had any refusals earlier Am I eligible? Also, I have a kid who is 4yrs, his visa also expired on March, 2023 will he be eligible? I am applying for new H1B
Shuhaib,
You should answer depending on where you currently live. If you live in India, then it is a lawful resident of India.
It is likely to be extended, again pure guess based on wait times now.
Hello Experts.
My B1/L1/H1b all three visas expired on and before Apr 2019.
My family visas also expired with H1b as the latest by Apr 2019.
Now iam planning to have B2 Visa . Do we still applicable for waiver ?
Please let me know for the updates
krish,
You are not eligible. The reason is your past visa expired beyond 48 months from today.
Thank you Kumar.
Can you please confirm whether i can go with h1b exemption for stamping if i find an employer again ?
krish,
If you have not used up all 6 years, you can use that for filing cap exempt h1b with that employer.
Hi,
My son got visa priori to his 14th birthday, now we want to go for visa stamp, not clear below points.
1. how do we answer, Do you have a previous U.S. visa in any visa class (except B1/B2, B1 or B2) issued on or after your 14th birthday ?
2. if we separate his application and pay the fee, how do we combine for appointment schedule?
no videos, no instructions, no information anywhere
if any one has exp. please share
Hi
I am in the same situation, not getting any information on this anywhere.
Did you get any information on how to proceed or any solution?
scenario:
My Daughter is now 4 years old and her last visa was at the age of 1 year.
If I say NO to the question – Do you have a previous U.S. visa in any visa class (except B1/B2, B1 or B2) issued on or after your 14th birthday… this wont allow for Dropbox appointments
How should I proceed, anyone please guide.
Thank you
I have a question, during Dropbox process by mistake I said no to the person when she asked any change. I am worried now. Any suggestions.
Hi Kumar,
I have a L1B approved in August 2022. I resigned the job in 2023 and moved back to India. I now have a new approved H1B with a different employer. I need to get the visa stamping done. As, I am not currently in US, I applied for H1B as consular processing. When I check the questions, I am told that I am eligible for interview waiver for my H1B. Can you please confirm if this is the right scenario.
Thanks a lot
Hi,
My F1 visa is valid till 08 Dec 2024. I am currently on H1 B status since 2023. While filling the form on UStravel docs, there is a question ” Has your prior visa expired: yes or no?”.
What shall i answer to this question as my current status is h1 B.
raj,
If it does not specify any visa type like H1B or F1 and just says any US visa, it is technically valid as you have a US visa valid.
Hello,
I have a unique situation, I booked my H1b visa slot and while answering the questions for scheduling the appointment at the end it showed “congratulations on your interview waiver” and then I had an issue with my DS-160 which was irreparable because I didn’t have older DS-160 confirmation page because I didn’t complete that application but it remained in my appointment confirmation. So the VAC agent told to have this dropbox as a no-show and wait for 48 hours and rebook the slot, which I did. Then I restarted the process, and surprisingly it did not show any interview waiver thing! instead when I selected Hyderabad it showed me OFC dates and Consular interview dates. Since I was in a hurry for first available appointment I just went ahead scheduling my interview appointment. I’m not sure what went wrong, is it to do with the questions or is it because I chose Hyderabad over Chennai, has anyone faced a similar situation?
Shailesh,
Very weird. I have not seen such cases. Well, if you qualify for dropbox for sure, you can cancel the appointment and redo the questionnarie.
Similar thing has happened with me. I had F1 visa which expired in July 2023. Now while applying for B1/B2, I am not getting the interview waiver question which asks for visa in any other class. Is it because I chose Mumbai over Hyderabad?
Mumbai over New Delhi*
Hi Shailesh,
Can you please let me know how you rescheduled appointment.
1. did you created/filled new application again? Or just rescheduled as it is with “Reschedule option”
2. did you updated interview waiver segment questionnaires, if yes how did you do?
Hi , I have a valid B1/B2 visa which was issued in 2019 . Now i m applying for L1b visa . m i eligible for interview waiver program?
Context
“If you were previously issued a U.S. tourist visa that expired in the past 48 months (4 years), you can apply to renew your visa without an interview” “If you are renewing a visa, your previous visa can be no more than 48 months expired. Please select a “submission date” atleast 7 calendar days before that 48 month deadline.”
Problem
We had submitted a B1/B2 vistors visa interview waiver (drop box) for one of our parent in July 2022 through the regular visa application process and submitted MRV, the visa application fees. The previous visa B1/B2 stamped on passport had expired Dec 2018. The parent had visited USA on several occasions for 10 years on the same B1/B2 visitors visa. prior to that and there was no violation like overstay etc. The visa application system allowed to submit a visa interview waiver as the visa expired date on the passport was within 4 years (48 months) of expiration. In other words, the B1/B2 visa had expired Dec 2018, so 48 months would be Dec 2022. So, as long as the application was made before that, i.e. July 2022, it should go through. However, when we submitted application online in July 2022, the earliest availability for visa dropbox date at Kolkata consulate which we could get was Jan 5, 2023 (which is 4 years after the expiration date of Dec 2022 on passport). Our “application date” was well within 48 months expiration rule, but the “interview/dropbox show up date” wasn’t. On Jan 5, 2023, we showed up at Kolkata consulate, however we were sent back. We were told “submission date” means when you show up for dropbox. “Submission date” doesn’t mean your “online application submission date”. Our “submission “”dropbox/interview” date” of Jan 5, 2023 had crossed the 4 year mark (Dec 2022) of visa expiration date in the passport of Dec 2018. The visa application system allowed us to “submit” the B1/B2 visa application and take our MRV fees and allowed a dropbox date chosen after 48 months of expiration – without any error or prompt. The system doesn’t clearly say “submission date” means when you show up for dropbox and not application submission date. We were asked to reapply. But, this time we could manage to get an interview date only on March 2024. As you know, the MRV – visa fees paid before Oct 1, 2022, was set to expire Sep 2023. So, our interview date for March 2024 was also cancelled. Our MRV fees are forfeited.
Hi, I came to USA in L1B visa in 2016 and never left US since then. Now am planning to visit India. I moved to H1B in 2021 is valid till 2026. For the interview waiver question “Is your prior visa still valid?” what should I select? Yes or No?
My L1-Blanket Visa was refused in Jan 2014. A Month Later, my firm applied for L1-Individual which was subsequently approved in April 2014. (Moral of story: US Visa was refused once but later approved)
After that I got H1-B US Visa Stamped (In Person as well as Dropbox)
Currently i have H-1B US Visa on my passport. (expired in March 2021)
Going for India, Am i eligible for dropbox? (I had visa refused but not in last 48 months) it was refused almost 10 year back.
Hi, I am not getting the interview waiver questions even though I am eligible according to the new criteria. What can I do?
Thanks
Benny
HI, even I am not getting the following question “Do you have a previous U.S. visa in any visa class (except B1/B2, B1 or B2) issued on or after your 14th birthday ? O Yes O No” even though I’m eligible. Were you able to resolve it?
Hi Santhosh, Did you get your visa?
Hi All,
I am looking for a drop box slot for renewing our h1b/h4 visas at the Hyderabad location. During scheduling, I can see just the Chennai location, with the last slot being May 1st week.
Has anyone scheduled h1b visa dropbox slots for the Hyderabad location? If so, please let me know how you were able to reserve the slots for this location.
Thank you.
Hello, my last visa expired over 48 months ago. Do I need to get an appointmnet for biomentrics and in-person interview or just for in-person interview?
My H1-B visa got expired on 11-AUG-2020. Am I still eligibile to go for Interview Waiver/ Drop box if I take appointment today as 15-FEB-2024?
I have a H1b visa ( no stamping ). I only have i797A with expiration of September 2024.
IF i want to get a b2 visa in canada, will i be eligible for the interview waiver ? I am confused because I dont have an official h1b visa on my passport
What should I answer for the below question for my minor child 10 year old. She had valid visa till 2021 after which she had change of status and didn’t travel to India.
Do you have a previous U.S. visa in any visa class (except B1/B2, B1 or B2) issued on or after your 14th birthday?
I’m planning to say “yes”? is it ok? any personal experiences would help.
Hi Krishna , can you please update is it fine if we provide it as yes. I’m also in similar situation – my kid is 5 year old and she has valid visa till August 2024. I was confused if i need to provide yes or no for this question.
What should I answer for the below question for my minor child 10 year old. She had valid visa till 2021 after which she had change of status and didn’t travel to India.
Do you have a previous U.S. visa in any visa class (except B1/B2, B1 or B2) issued on or after your 14th birthday?
Im planning to say “yes”? is it ok? any personal experiences would help.
One more thing. In TravelDocs website i see the below criteria for minors less than 14 yrs old.
Applicants under 14 years of age or over 79 years of age from the date of submission are exempt from the requirement of a nonimmigrant visa interview. All other rules, requirements and fees for those under 14 years of age and over 79 years of age remain in effect.
Eligibility criteria for children under 14 years of age:
I am applying before my 14th birthday;
My most recent visa application was not refused;
Either one or both of my parents hold a valid visa, or, one or both of my parents are applying for their visa renewal; and I am applying together for the same visa class;
I am a Pakistani Citizen applying with a Pakistani Passport.
I came to US on L1 visa. Change of status to H1B and changed employer (H1 transfer) in US. Now we are going to India for stamping. We are all going for stamping together.
In this case it will be called renewal or first time visa?
Based on that what i need to answer for interview waiver questionnaire as i have minor child 10 yrs old to be stamped for H4 in my application.
Do you have a previous U.S. visa in any visa class (except B1/B2, B1 or B2) issued on or after your 14th birthday?
I am trying to apply for a B1/B2 visa from Canada and my previous F-1 visa expired less than 4 years ago (June 2020). But seems like questions in US visa portal in Canada are not updated. Any info on when that might happen?
Same here. Any luck?
I am in the same boat. I am in Canada. My H1B hasnt even expired yet, I am applying for B1/B2 now. I am not seeing these new Qs popup.
My situation. I applied in Sep 2023 and got an appointment for 2025. So after seeing this new guidance I cancelled my appointment. But now I am not seeing these questions.
Per above, the questions have not been updated for Canada portal it seems? I have sent email to GDIT and will see how they respond.
My guess is we should still say YES to older eligibility Qs of renewal in same class of category. Though technically we should say NO since now it will be cross classes ie H1 now B1.
But if anyone has any details on how to solve it, please help!
I have a H1b visa expired 36 months ago and applying for B1/B2 this time. I fulfil all other interview waiver requirements.Still, I am not able to see the question “Did your previous visa (except B1/B2, B1 or B2) expire within the last 48 months?Instead, I see the old question “Do you have a previous B1/B2 visa?” and if say no it takes me to OFC/Consular appt.Anyone else facing the same issue?
Same here. Any luck for you?
I am in the same boat. I am in Canada. My H1B hasnt even expired yet, I am applying for B1/B2 now. I am not seeing these new Qs popup.
My situation. I applied in Sep 2023 and got an appointment for 2025. So after seeing this new guidance I cancelled my appointment. But now I am not seeing these questions.
Per someone above, the questions have not been updated for Canada portal it seems? I have sent email to GDIT and will see how they respond.
My guess is we should still say YES to older eligibility Qs of renewal in same class of category. Though technically we should say NO since now it will be cross classes ie H1 now B1.
I also have prior F1 visa, now applying for B1 visa but seeing this question ” is the previous visa you are renewing issued in the last 14 years” but not seeing the new questions. Can anyone confirm if answer is yes or no to this question.
I have a H1b visa expired 36 months ago and applying for B1/B2 this time. I fulfil all other interview waiver requirements. Still, I am not able to see the question “Did your previous visa (except B1/B2, B1 or B2) expire within the last 48 months?Instead, I see the old question “Do you have a previous B1/B2 visa?” and if say no it takes me to OFC/Consular appt. Anyone else facing the same issue?
I also have prior F1 visa, now applying for B1 visa but seeing this question ” is the previous visa you are renewing issued in the last 14 years” but not seeing the new questions. Can anyone confirm if answer is yes or no to this question.
Hi,
After answering all interview wavier questions, I have selected drop box option and paid the visa fee. Now when I’m trying to schedule appointment, It’s asking me to select two dates for OFC date and consular date. I got confused here. Please help me if you know about this?
Sai, I am also in the same situation. Do we need to select both OFC and Consulate dates for a drop box?
Please let me know how you proceeded further for scheduling the drop box appointment.
Thank you.
Hello Sai,
I am in same situation- can you please let me know if youhad togo dor biometrics and interview?
Hi,
My H1b visa hasn’t expired. I’m applying for B1/B2 visa because I moved out of the country three months ago. Would I be eligible for visa interview waiver per the latest Jan 2024 visa update?
Hi,
I have booked a dropbox appointment in November 2023 for January 2024, my last visa expired in 2019. When I booked the appointment the 48 months question was not part of the interview waiver questions and I was eligible for interview waiver.
Will my dropbox appointment still be honored ? Your insight would be greatly appreciated.
Any updates? i have same situation with dropbox appt in Feb, 2024
Spoke with customer service and they have mentioned that if the appointment was booked last year.. then good to proceed. I have my appointment on 22nd.. will let you know once done with my appointment..
Appreciate your response here. This is such a great relief. Please do update your experience after your dropbox appointment.
I have the similar case too, applied in December 2023 that time there was no 48 months clause, interview date is 29th January 202. Please share your experience.
I was able to drop off the documents yesterday without any issue.
Hi, my visa expired in 2017. But when i booked the appointment in December 2023, i did not get the 48 months question and i was eligible for interview waiver. Got appointment for 8th March 2024. Any updates on your case?
Hi Santhosh, Did you get your visa?
I am in a similar situation, i submitted my application on 12/29 and i was able to get a interview waiver appointment in march.
I have a quick question to you,
Had more than 48 months elapsed at the time you submitted your application for an appointment .
Hi,
I submitted a DS160 application for the Hyderabad Location.
While booking appointments, I was eligible for Dropbox and only the Chennai location shows Dropbox appointments availability. So, I booked Dropbox appointment with Chennai as the location.
So, my DS 160 confirmation shows HYDERABAD and my Dropbox appointment shows CHENNAI.
I am going to drop off documents at HYDERABAD location on Feb 01.
Does this location mismatch is a problem for my dropbox appointment?
i have the same situation. can someone please update if a selecting a different location is ok?
Hi Kumar, I have H1B stamping that’s valid till October 2024. I received 221g during my initial stamping which eventually got approved with Clearance received marked on the VISA. Am I eligible for dropbox? From the questions it seems like I am. Thank you.
Hi Kumar,
My current visa got CWOP written by CBP officer while entering USA(not sure on reason of but I got that visa till Aug 2024 at consulate initially ) but CBP team given my I-94 till end of visa as per my passport which is till Aug 2024 in this scenario will I be eligible for Dropbox in India or in future stamping in USA ?
Hi,
I have valid B1 VISA and located in India. My H1B petition is approved (firsttime) and I am applying for H4 for my kids (3years and 11 years) and wife, they dont have any stampings. Are they eligible for interview wavier?
Ravikumar,
No, none of you would be eligible for H1B Interview waiver as the previous visa issued is B1.